Stronger Communities Programme

Programme Overview

In the 2015 Budget, the Australian Government announced the Stronger Communities Programme to fund small capital projects in local communities in each of the 150 Federal Electorates.

The Stronger Communities Programme will deliver $45 million over two years commencing in 2015-16.

Programme Objective

The objective of the Stronger Communities Programme is to fund small capital projects which will deliver social benefits. The programme aims to improve local community participation, cohesion and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.

Key Aspects

Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) will establish a community consultation committee to undertake consultation in their electorate to identify eligible projects and invite applicants to apply.

Local government and incorporated not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply.

Grants of between $5,000 and up to a maximum of $20,000 are available.

Applicants are required to confirm matched funding in cash or in-kind on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Funding of $150,000 per electorate per year will be allocated for two years commencing 2015-16.

How to apply

Applicants will be invited to apply by MPs following community consultation. All applications must be submitted to MPs using the Department’s Grants Management System (GMS) Portal.

Project Selection

MPs will select projects from their electorate, totalling no more than $150,000 per year, and submit these projects to the Department for assessment against the requirements of the Guidelines.

The Department will assess these projects against the Guidelines and determine whether the project represents a proper use of grant funding.

Guidance material

Further guidance material will be available on this page for MPs and Applicants when applications open.

RDA Murray

Regional Development Australia Murray (RDA Murray) has a commitment to bring together partnerships between whole of government, regional development organisations, the private sector and other key regional stakeholders.